At American Classic Exteriors, we want to make sure that all of our potential customers know how to protect themselves from hiring unreliable and poor quality companies to work on their home. We understand that sometimes people can be all too trustworthy when it comes to hiring companies to do their home improvement projects. American Classic Exteriors strongly believes that a little research can save you tremendous amount of wasted time, money, and headaches.

Selecting the company to do your work can be a difficult task. You want the assurance that they will do a good job at a reasonable price, and that they will stand behind their work.

Here are a few tips that may help you

Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured?

Don't accept a verbal, insist that the company provides you with a current insurance certificate and a copy of their business license. In order to be licensed, the contractor must post a bond to those items generally go hand-in-hand.

What is your contractor's warranty on workmanship?

Check these things; is it in writing? Don't accept a verbal, it means nothing. Is the warranty transferable if you move? Most labor warranties are not. How long a period does the warranty cover? Is it pro-rated? Does it reduce in value with the passage of time, somewhat like a car battery? Do you have to pay for materials to correct any workmanship defects?

How was your initial contact with the company?

Your first contact is important because it will give you a good indication of what kind of customer service that the company might provide. Speaking with a real person and not a machine can show that the company cares about your questions and business.

Was the company's representative friendly and courteous during your first meeting?

First impressions can make or break your confidence in a company's ability to take care of you as a customer. Friendly and courteous representatives with good attitudes are good indicators of what type of company you are dealing with. Be Cautious if the estimator offers you a price with a reduction if you sign a contract at the first meeting. You should not be high pressured into making a decision, and usually the price quoted was inflated to cover the "Buy Now Inducement". Be cautious of any approach that makes you feel pressure to decide too quickly.

Did you get your estimate in a reasonable amount of time and was it professional?

Receiving your estimate in a timely fashion can indicate the speediness of service you might get and how promptly any problems you have may be resolved. A professional, comprehensive estimate is important because companies that provide vague, or limited scope estimates tend to deliver less than a company that spells out every detail in their estimate. Product names and descriptions should be included.

Did you get all of your questions and concerns addressed and do you feel comfortable that the company is the best (not the cheapest) company to do your job?

Trusting your instincts is one of the best things you can do when something doesn't feel right. Company representatives should be there to make sure you understand what will happen with your project. They should be able to answer all of your questions and you should understand the answers given to you. If the company cannot provide answers that make sense or give you peace of mind, do your research and find out if the company is your best option.

Does your perspective contractor's company have a street address or a P.O. Box?

There are thousands of 'Fly-by-night' home service companies across the country. Not a week goes by without hearing about an elderly person or a single mother being taken for thousands of dollars by one of these types of companies. Many of these companies have P.O. Boxes so once they have scammed enough money, they will be able to pickup and leave town. Leaving their customers with no way to find them and no recourse for their loss of money. A reputable contractor should have a mailing address that is not a P.O. Box. This does not mean that all contractors with P.O. Boxes are scam artists, but it does mean you should do your research to ensure they are good company.

Was your estimator able to give you a reference list with several names and addresses of satisfied customers in your area?

Having a reference list with several names and addresses of completed projects in your area is a very important part of researching your contractor. Being able to see actual completed projects or talk with satisfied customers will help you determine the quality of craftsmanship the company can provide. Be leery of companies that cannot provide you with 10 or more references. Also, make sure that you get the address of all the references so you can make sure it is not a factious reference.

These are just a few things American Classic Exteriors suggest you ask potential contractors when you are looking for someone to do your home improvement projects.

Consumer protection is very important and there are many agencies that can give you advice on how to hire a contractor. The National Association of Homebuilders says, " Call your local or state consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau", we encourage you to do the same.

The American Classic's Lifetime Workmanship Warranty is a fully transferable to subsequent owners of the property, is non-prorated and covers all material and labor

References - your contractor should be able to provide you with some recent projects that have been installed, showing products used and locations.

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